Lakshya-1 successfully test flown

BALASORE: Indigenously developed micro-light, pilotless target aircraft Lakshya-1 was successfully test flown from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here on Tuesday. The aircraft, fitted with an advanced digital remote controlled engine, was test flown at about 11.40 am from the launching complex-II by the personnel of Indian Air Force (IAF) and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).Several developments made in the digital version of the unmanned aircraft were tested successfully, official sources said.The aircraft flew over 35 minutes during which all the parameters were tested, the official informed and added that another round of trial may be carried out shortly. ITR Director SP Dash feigned ignorance about the test.The test was carried out to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement, defence sources here said. The PTA, a sub-sonic and re-usable aerial target system is remote controlled and designed to impart training to both air- borne and air-defence pilots.The engine and sub-systems have been developed by the ADE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Lakshya, which is already inducted into the IAF in 2000, is also required for evaluation and development trials of new surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems.Earlier both the sea and land recovery versions of the PTA have been test flown successfully. The trial was significant as an advanced version of the PTA Lakshya-2 was also tested successfully from the same ground on January 25 and 27.